Design and prototype development of a wireless power transmission system for a micro air vehicle (MAV)
By: Robert L. Vitale
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1999
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 173
Description: Microwave radiation at 1.0 GHz and 1.3 GHz is used to demonstrate remote powering of a micro air vehicle (MAV). Several prototype microwave rectifier systems were fabricated in microstrip using EEsof(registered) computer aided engineering (CAE) software to assist in their design. Radio frequency (RF) parameters of the rectifiers were measured on a vector network analyzer. RF-to- DC conversion efficiency was measured for several designs and with various circuit loads consisting of lumped elements and DC motors. A peak RF-to-DC conversion efficiency of 33 percent was achieved. MAV antenna designs were investigated by simulating 68 geometries using the GNEC(registered) numerical electromagetics computer program. Two prototype MAVs were assembled, each consisting of microwave rectifier, antenna and a miniature DC motor. It was demonstrated that a 1.8-Watt, 1.3-GHz microwave signal could power the DC motor at free space distance of 30 inches from transmitting antenna to prototype MAV. Greater operating distances are proposed by using higher transmitting power and antenna gain.
Notes: Thesis advisor(s): David C. Jenn.

"June 1999."

Thesis (M.S. in Electrical Engineering) Naval Postgraduate School, June 1999.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 171-172)

"Approved for public release; distribution unlimited"--Cover.

Also available online.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System requirements: Adobe Acrobat reader.

Department of Defense (DoD)  author (civilian).

dk/dk cc:9116 11/03/99